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MNO supports Government efforts to stop cycle of Poverty

May 8, 2009 - Toronto, ON –- Gary Lipinski, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) extended his congratulations and support to the Province of Ontario on the passage of the Poverty Reduction Act 2009 this week.

“This important legislation brings the province one step closer to becoming a province in which all residents will have access to the supports they need to achieve their full potential,” President Lipinski said. “The MNO looks forward to working with Minister Deb Matthews and the Children and Youth Ministry in the delivery of the programs and services that will be initiated and implemented under the Act.”

The Poverty Reduction Act 2009 received the unanimous consent of all parties Wednesday at Queen’s Park. According to the government the legislation will help to ensure that successive provincial governments report annually on programs aimed at poverty reduction and will also require specific poverty reduction targets.

Sharon McBride, Chair of the Women’s Secretariat represented the MNO at Queen’s Park as the legislation was passed into law. “It is women who most often feel first hand the effects of poverty on themselves and their children,” McBride said. “Confronting poverty head on will help to address resulting social and economic issues by offering support to those trying to break out of the poverty cycle.”

“The Government's stated strategy of breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty with improved access to education for children is consistent with the goals and priorities of the MNO,” said President Lipinski, adding the poverty reduction plan is both forward looking and long term.